Piano Teacher

2011-07-28T22:03:00.000-07:00

PORTLAND - WOMAN'S FORUM - VISTA

2011-07-20T16:49:00.001-07:00

PORTLAND TRIP -- ROSE GARDEN!

2011-07-20T16:08:00.000-07:00

ISLA's FIRST BIRTHDAY!

2011-07-20T15:28:00.000-07:00

DOOR to DOOR ORGANICS 7/20/2011

2011-07-20T08:27:00.001-07:00

For the past two months I have subscribed to Door-to-Door Organics. They deliver, free, locally grown produce. Below is my produce for this week!

2011-04-28T22:23:00.000-07:00

EASTER 2011

2011-04-28T21:17:00.001-07:00

HE AROSE! AS HE SAID!
GOD BLESSED ME WITH GREAT MUSIC AT CHURCH
and
GREAT FELLOWSHIP WITH MY FAMILY!

INTRODUCING MS ISLA JO

2010-07-07T20:54:00.000-07:00

Ms Isla Jo is my first Grand-baby, born to my son Jonathan and his wife Callie on July 5th 2010!! SO, now that I'm a Grandma, I have to come up with a name for her to call me. Some being bantered around are Grammy, Nana, or Grannie!

My first job is to brag!! I'm having a little book made so I can show people who want to see pics of her AND even those who don't (ha ha!) I'm going to put some on here so you can enjoy them

2010-05-09T21:41:00.000-07:00

My Sister, Marcia, came up in April and we went to THE SEARS TOWER LEDGE!

MARCIA'S VISIT August 2009 MISC.

2010-01-24T12:05:00.000-08:00

It's amazing how much we did in spite of our trip and my teaching.

We ate out a lot! Christie treated us to brunch at Mill Race Inn very close to where she lives in St Charles. It was pouring rain, but we had a window seat and it was kinda cool!

We met my friend and piano student Peggy at Village Links Golf Course for lunch.

Marcia at Wheaton Bible Church

Wheaton Bible Church

Barb getting coffee

Marcia in Church

After church one Sunday, we went to Houlihan's, one of my favorites! I got Stuffed Mushrooms - stuffed with cream cheese - ooo ooo, so scrumptuous, but not my sister's favorite. She got a steak salad

One major event was the wedding of Michael and Julie. Julie was Christie's roomate and Christie was in the wedding. The wedding was at our church.

Julie's Dad giving her away -- I love this picture -- you can see Michael in between them grinning away!

Julie and Michael saying vows

Julie and Michael saying vows

Julie and Michael outside of church

Christie and Julie outside of church

The reception at Prairie Landing Golf Club in West Chicago

The room was beautiful.

The night started out with a cheese/fruit/cracker buffet.

Dinner started out with a salad, very unique and delicious

Main meal, Chicken or Steak

Cake

Michael and Julie cutting cake

GREAT PIC OF ALL 5 of my kids

Barb and Marcia

CHRISTIE!

Christie and Nickie

Jonathan and Callie

Nickie and David

The day after the wedding, we all got together and had pizza!

My sister helped me with a bunch of things while here.
One was to help me organize my dining room closet. AND, when I say organize I DO MEAN ORGANIZE. We went to the Dollar Tree and got all kinds of baskets and containers. And, then came the job of tossing, tossing, tossing. She was really tough on me and made me get rid of bags of stuff I hadn't used. I have to admit it feels great to have less....as they say.....less is more. Here's the result.

She sewed a whole basket full of of things to be mending, helped me organize the kitchen cabinets with baskets and cute new things:

My new MAN!

and new toaster oven

My TV was acting up and we couldn't get proper reception.
Here we are trying to fix it.
I hope you're beginning to see how much fun we had!!

Marcia working with tin foil

Barb working in the upper stratosphere

Jonathan fixed this for me by attaching a cable to the antenna on the roof.

Then we tackled the shed!

Exhausted Marcia

I didn't get to do any gardening these three weeks, but everything thrived!

THANK YOU MARCIA!

MY SISTER COMES A CALLING! NAVY PIER AUGUST 2009

2010-01-16T16:35:00.000-08:00

The highlight of my Summer was a visit from my Sister who lives in Florida. We planned to go to Navy Pier (I knew she would love that!) visit relatives in Iowa we've not seen in a long while, and going to Wisconsin to see three towns we use to live in: Racine, Whitewater and Franksville.

We took the train to Chicago and a Taxi to Navy Pier - luxury to the fullest for us!
We walked through Crystal Gardens first. and then did some sightseeing. Marcia was enthralled with the buildings in Chicago so we had pictures taken with the City in the background.

Marcia had to put up with my need for a coffee break!

As part of a 3 event package deal we got on line, we had reservations at the RIVA restaurant. a show: CIRQUE de SHANGHAI , a BOAT CRUISE and a ride on the FERRIS WHEEL!

Here we are at Riva's Restaurant. We got great seats with a great view. We took our time over a delicious lunch.>

While we were there, Jonathan called and wanted us to join him and Callie and her family on the beach to watch the Air and Water Show. Marcia got some awesome pics.

We couldn't believe we found him and this was done all through our cell phones!

Callie, Jonathan and Barb

MARCIA on the BEACH

Here are some pics of the Air and Water Show with the Blue Angels!

NEXT WE WENT TO CIRQUE de SHANGHAI an amazing Chinese entertainment with skills around: Hoop divers, plate spinners, chair climbers, hat jugglers and unitard-clad creatures in inner tubes bouncing and rolling in ways that seem to defy more than a few fundamental laws of physics!

BALL BALANCING ACT

KEEPING the BALLS in MOTION

AND.......

BALANCING ON CHAIRS

THEY ALL LAND ON THEIR FEET!

NEXT WE HAD TO RUSH TO MAKE OUR BOAT CRUISE and WE WERE SO GLAD WE DIDN'T MISS IT. THE NIGHT WAS CALM, WARM AND THE SKY BEAUTIFUL! IT WAS A DUSK CRUISE so we got one for 45 MINUTES INSTEAD OF 30 MINUTES.

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NOW TO CATCH OUR TRAIN BACK TO GLEN ELLYN, WE HAVE 2 HOURS TO GO ON THE FERRIS WHEEL, STOP AT BUBBA GUMPS and GET A CAB BACK!

THIS WHOLE DAY WAS PHENOMENAL BUT I DO THINK THE TIME AT BUBBA GUMPS WAS A HIGHLIGHT FOR MARCIA!!! THEIR WHOLE FAMILY LOVES THIS PLACE and SHE FOUND A T SHIRT FOR BOB. THEY TOLD US WE WOULD HAVE TO WAIT ABOUT 45 MINUTES TO GET DESSERT AND WE COULDN"T OR WE WOULD MISS OUR TRAIN. WHILE SHE WAS LOOKING FOR THE T SHIRT, THEY TOLD US A TABLE HAD OPENED UP. WE ORDERED THE HOT COOKIE SUNDAE AND I HAVE TO TELL YOU THIS WAS THE BEST DESSERT I HAVE EVER HAD! THE HOT CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE COVERED THE WHOLE BOTTOM OF THE PAN WITH TWO HUGE SCOOPS OF VANILLA ICE CREAM ON TOP DRIZZLED WITH CHOCOLATE SYRUP AND WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP!

WHAT A GREAT WAY TO END THE DAY!

SUMMER OF 2009 - IOWA - FRANKSVILLE

2010-01-12T09:48:00.000-08:00

My Sister, Marcia Webel from Florida, came for a three week visit this summer and we did a lot of visiting. Our first trip was to Iowa to visit my 90 year old Aunt and cousins.

My cousin Sally cooked a delicious dinner of Beef Stroganoff. She is not only a great cook but takes great care with details. Look at how pretty the table is with everything in pink! Even the dessert -- pink cupcakes with pink sherbert added later! We felt so honored.

Barb, Hannah, Sally, Marcia and Aunt Gladys

Here is Sally's daughter Peach and her daughter Hannah. Peach and her husband, John opened their home the next day for a picnic.

Marcia and Aunt Gladys sharing a memory!

While at my Aunt Gladys' home, I took pictures with my camera of these lovely pictures she had. This is her husband, my Uncle Bob, who used to catch us as we jumped from the barn loft in Franksville!

This is Rev and Mrs Bateman, the pastor who led my Mom and Dad and My Aunt Gladys and Uncle Bob to the Lord. He has a big spot in their hearts and they are forever grateful not only for his part in their salvation but also for his deep teaching of God's Word to them! They spoke of him a lot.

My Uncle Bob and Aunt Gladys in younger days! (however, she doesn't look much older now!)

Me and Marcia by Church sign

Me and Marcia by side of parsonage

Franksville is where my dad pastored his first church.

This is the new church. The old one caught on fire and they razed in deep into the ground next to the parsonage and bought land about 1/2 mile away. They sold the parsonage to a couple who has kept it up and added a wrap around porch in the back.

An article from a newspaper about 60 years ago.

This grass cutter was leaning up against the house as an antique. Marcia thinks it was the one dad used to cut the lawn. Does it look 50 years old???

Here is Marcia, my brother David, and me in this disgusting pool next to the parsonage. I hated going in it.

This is the same pool today -- I was in amazement that it is still there. A little patched up but there none the less!

Here is my dad by the side of the parsonage. If you match up the windows, you can see nothing structurally has changed, except for new windows and siding.

Here's the front of the parsonage, my dad in the front after a big snowstorm.

Here's the barn. We used to jump out of the door at the top into my Uncle Bob's or dad's arms!

Me reminiscing, looking at the added deck!

This was an incredible visit. We went to a one room school house and actually found the land it used to be on -- of course it had been razed. I think I may call Franksville the razing capital! This visit left me feeling weird....I can't explain it.

RACINE and WHITEWATER - SUMMER 2009

2010-01-11T11:12:00.000-08:00

THE SECOND STOP OF OUR TRIP WAS TO SEE TWO MORE PLACES WE LIVED: RACINE AND WHITEWATER and to have DINNER WITH MY SON, DAVID and his wife, NICKIE. AS WE LEFT IOWA WE TOOK ALL THESE LANDSCAPE PICTURES, MARCIA COMMENTING HOW PRETTY IT WAS BUT SHE'D MISS THE SAND UNDER HER FEET!

WE STOPPED FOR SUNDAES AT A&W -- WE DECIDED THIS WAS OUR VACATION AND TO NOT HOLD BACK --IT WAS GREAT!! WE THEN DROVE TO WHITEWATER. MY DAD PASTORED A CHURCH THERE, BUT EVEN THOUGH WE ASKED A LOT OF PEOPLE, DESCRIBING IT'S LOCATION (MAINLY THAT THERE WAS A PIGGLY WIGGLY CLOSE TO IT!), NO ONE KNEW ANYTHING ABOUT IT. WHILE LIVING THERE, MY BROTHER WENT TO KINDERGARTEN AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN -- IT'S STILL THERE!!

WE GOT TO DAVID and NICKIE's HOME WHERE NICKIE SERVED US A DELICIOUS MEAL. WE THEN PLAYED WITH THEIR DOG, ELSIANNE.

WHEN WE GOT TO RACINE, MARCIA HAD ALL KINDS OF FLASHBACKS.

SHE REMEMBERED SWIMMING IN THIS WATERHOLE--EVEN FOUND A NEWS CLIPPING OF THE OLD ONE. THE NEW ONE - above - NOW HAS A CONCESSION STAND

RACINE IS ON LAKE MICHIGAN and WE HAD FUN CLIMBING ON ROCKS....

....WALKING AROUND THE HARBOR and HAVING LUNCH THAT OVERLOOKED ALL THE BOATS!

ON THE WAY HOME TO GLEN ELLYN, WE STOPPED AT A & W. WE GOT CHICAGO HOT DOGS AND SHE WANTED ME TO OPEN MINE SO SHOW WHAT'S INSIDE! A N D OF COURSE, WE HAD TO GET ROOT BEER FLOATS. WE WERE BEING SO GOOD TO OUR BASE NATURE!

LADY ABIGAIL's 15th BIRTHDAY July 4th 2009 Good

2009-07-05T16:22:00.000-07:00

I have been blessed over the past 15 years to have the company of my sweet pooch, Lady Abigail of Glen Ellyn!! She has been a faithful companion!

We started out the day with a bath and then I dressed her up in a red cami, a red white and blue sign that said Happy Birthday and a white corsage!

There are two videos in this blog!
The first one shows her how tired she gets after a bath -- she's all dressed up in that one. The second one is of her eating a slice of cake that Christie and Julie brought over! I couldn't believe how she chomped it -- just like she would a steak if she got it. She sure loves human food -- anything but celery. There were many times she took our food. One time a turkey cooling on the oven door. Many times meat! Another time she ate David's homework!! YES teachers, it does happen! He had to carve his initials (3D) in a raw potato and it turned out awesome,as he took a long time. He put it on a step going down to the basement as "for sure she was too little to get it" (she was about 7-8 weeks old). BUT, get it she did and David had to re due it!

I love you little lady and thank you for these 15 years!!

IT'S NOW UP TO GOD!

2009-06-08T13:14:00.001-07:00

That's what Callie said when they finished planting!
She had a sense of satisfaction, which comes after the hard job of planting seeds and knowing you will reap rewards from it!

Looking at a spider which both girls (Christie and Callie) hate!!

It's hard work to get the ground ready to plant seeds for a vegetable garden!
Jonathan had to take an axe to break up the ground full of tree roots.

Callie is loving this garden thing!

:

I am loving that my kids want to make their first garden in my yard!!

Another couple, Rachel and Jim, who are moving in with me beginning of July, have also planted a garden!
I'll post pictures of them and their garden later.

BIBLE STUDY GROUP - POTLUCK

2009-06-08T12:08:00.001-07:00

We had our final Bible Study for the year, celebrating with a Potluck Dinner at my house. We usually do this so we can use my screened in porch but being it's been a chilly spring, we didn't know if that would happen However, isn't it just like God to give you over and above your hearts desire!

The people who were able to attend, Left to Right:
Susan Skorburg, Renee Collier, Beth Wyse, Barb Wilkinson, Don Collier, Adriana Rusu, Nan Lightbody, Tim Wilkinson, Eleisu Rusu

This get together was especially sweet in spirit! Eleisu and Adriana were home from Romania and rarely get to join us. He is a Pastor and has a deep understanding of Scripture and life. As he explained, In Romania, Pastor's not only have to preach, but people come to them for all kinds of advice. Thank you Eleisu for adding so much to our time together. We will miss you!

TSEGE'S SAWYER

2009-05-18T16:41:00.001-07:00

Brenda and Bob McDonnel gave our Sunday School class an opportunity to love and honor our Ethiopian friend, Tsege. About 7 months ago, she became a grandma for the first time and this called for a celebration!

It was a joyful time, full of thanks, eating and sharing gifts. Brenda shared a little about grandmothers from the Bible - one from the OT and one from the NT. In the OT,
Ruth gave birth to a son [Obed]. The women said to Grandma Naomi: "Praise be to the LORD, who this day has not left you without a kinsman-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel! He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age.” Ruth 4:14

In the NT Paul said to Timothy, “I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” 2 Timothy 1:5

Shows you how great importance God places on Grandparents! We know Tsege will be praying as much for her grandchildren as she did for her children.

Tsege is a fantastic prayer warrior and has taught our Sunday School so much about prayer. Many times she stands and prays in her native tongue, taking us to God too, helping us to feel God's presence globally.

This precious gift was given to Tsege 7 months ago, her first and only grandson!

Tsege, Askedom, Sawyer, erin, Maheret, Hintsa and sister/>

PROUD DAD!

FRIENDS WHO WELCOMED SAWYER WITH LOVE AND GIFTS!!

AUNTIE MAHARET

AUNT MAHARET and UNCLE HINTSA and Jan Bensen

BRENDA McDONELL with SAWYER

TSEGE'S SISTER, SAWYER AND TSEGE

TIM AND NANCY BOTTS

AUNTIE LOVIN ON SAWYER!

NANCY BOTTS with SAWYER

SPLISH SPLASH

2009-05-12T10:58:00.000-07:00

Elation and Dread

2009-05-12T10:52:00.000-07:00

ELATION and DREAD
As the 2008 election process has taken place, I've never felt more interested.
There have been times of elation and also dread, the later putting my stomach in a knot. When I discuss it with people of varying opinions/convictions, I promise myself I won't ever discuss it again.

And then the inevitable happens. Someone says something very profound and I am forced to listen....really listen and do more thinking. The someone I'm referring to is my
son, Jonathan. He said Jesus came to minister to the poor.

So, I started thinking about all the things Jesus came to do.
He came to serve, not to be served.

He healed.
He sacrificed.
He saved,
He raised from the dead.

This should move us into action for His kingdom today.
What kind of action?
Saying YES to God.
Doing His will as is told in His Words found in the Bible.

That is the only way I can find any peace or freedom from all this
chaos that the world and it's system brings.
"Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free"

Therefore, I have decided I've not been thinking right.
I need to believe Jesus when He says things in His word and then leave it up to Him
to accomplish His will.

He makes good out of evil.

Jesus said "I will build my Church and the gates of Hell will not prevail against it"

So, will I be a pacifist?
NO!
I will still PRAY
BE INFORMED
and
VOTE!!

Sawyer

2009-05-11T20:53:00.000-07:00

MOTHERS DAY

2009-05-10T22:06:00.000-07:00

My heart is full and overflowing with joy! Mothers Day was a fantastic time filled with love. It started with Jonathan & Callie and David & Nickie coming to pick me up for Church. I felt so happy sitting in the middle of these two wonderful couples. Then we picked up our food and dogs and went to Christie's, to meet Derrick (Nickie's brother who biked most of the way from Chicago)and grill. The fare was delicious: chicken and beef kabobs, grilled veggies, jello, potato salad, rice/chicken casserole with strawberry shortcake for dessert.

After eating, we went back to my house where the men put the picnic table together, we played with the dogs - er dog (Abbie watches!) and Callie did some yard work and planning for their garden which their going to plant here this coming weekend. So come back folks for some more pics.

Callie and Jonathan gave me a picnic table, Nickie and David two gorgeous geraniums and Christie some plush white towels and Botanic nature soap.

I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
Oh, magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt His name together. Psalm 34: 1 & 3

PIANO RECITAL 2009

2009-05-10T22:05:00.000-07:00

CAREFEST 2009

2009-05-03T16:40:00.000-07:00

PRAYER OF THE OX

2009-04-09T22:27:00.000-07:00

Dear God, give me time

Men are always so driven!
Make them understand that I can never hurry.
Give me time to eat.
Give me time to plod.
Give me time to sleep.
Give me time to think.

Taken from ‘Prayers from the Ark’ by Carmen de Gasztold. Written from the point of view of animals, her prayers / poems offer great insight about human nature.

FLOWER and GARDEN SHOW at Navy Pier

2009-03-13T18:12:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful day it was today, FRIDAY MARCH 13th 2009!!
The weather was beautiful and heading to Chicago on a train was void of stress. To add to this stress free time was taking a cab to Navy Pier, where we had lunch at Riva a restaurant with a breathtaking views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan This Phil Stefani Signature Restaurant features a variety of premium seafood, steaks and daily chef's specials as well as extensive wine selections.This nautically inspired, vibrant dining room is complimented by experienced service. Guests enjoy the 40-foot long exhibition kitchen, which invites them to observe the preparation of their meals as well as sample items from the raw bar. Riva has three private rooms with incredible views overlooking the city and the lake. PERFECT! All this to celebrate my 62nd and Peggy's 56th birthdays this month. The food was divine! We then did some "window" shopping at shops on the way to the Flower and Garden show at the end of the Pier, noting an ice cream shop and jewelry place to stop at on the way back. You can see some pictures below that especially caught our fancy. We want to try some of these in our yards this year.

Peggy by a weird, overhanging but soft tree!

Lime Green HOSTA

LENTEN ROSE
Helleborus x hybridus 'Metallic Blue Lady'

WHITE LENTEN ROSE
Helleborus x hybridus

LEMON TREE
These lemons look like pears!

WINNER
VICTORIAN DISPLAY

The Preacher Man's Ears

2008-12-03T04:13:00.000-08:00

When my Mom was dying the nurse said she always notices a tear after they go. Sure enough, there was this tear. So, while my dad was dying, I asked the nurse if she noticed this tear. She said "no" but she did notice they lose their ear lobes. We looked and sure enough, his ear lobes were gone. I think it's very appropriate as he was a minister and the Bible says: Romans 10:14 (King James Version)

14"How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?"

My mom was a quiet, inward person and my dad an extrovert preacher. Thank you God for these little sweet words to us.

He died on November 24th, my son David's birthday. That permanently connects them.
He was born in Vauxhall, New Jersey, September 1, 1914, living 94 years.
He was a strong man, of Sioux Indian heritage.

He accepted Christ as his personal Savior under the preaching of Rev. R.F. Bateman at the Milburn Baptist Church. He served in the European Theatre in World War 11, achieving the rank of Sergeant. On his return, he married the love of his life, Beatrice Dunlop. They attended Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, IL and then went to Burton Seminary in Colorado where he received his Th.M degree. They served the Lord together in many churches in Wisconsin, New Jersey, Maryland and Florida.

He loved playing and teaching the violin, fishing (he said "the big one always got away!") and telling jokes. His passion was preaching and teaching the Word of God and winning souls to Christ. His favorite doctrine was the Second Coming of Christ. He loved the old gospel hymns of the church.

He had two sisters, Betty and Lorraine and one brother, Raymond.
He was the father of three children: me (Barbara), Marcia and David.
He was the grandfather to eight: Christie, Jonathan and David Watson; Susan Riedel, Stephen and Timothy Webel, Katie McClure; and Joshua Alley.

He was great-grandfather to eight: Micah Scott, Jakob Robert and Zachariah Timothy Riedel; Elizabeth Joy, Anna Grace and Nathaniel Stephen Webel: Emily Grace and Abigail Faith Webel.

DREAD and ELATION

2008-11-03T00:05:00.000-08:00

As the 2008 election process has taken place, I've never been more interested.
There have been times of elation and also dread, the later putting my stomach in a knot. When I discuss it with people of varying opinions/convictions, I promise myself I won't ever discuss it again.

And then the inevitable happens. Someone says something very profound and I am forced to listen....really listen and do more thinking. The someone I'm referring to is my
son, Jonathan. He said Jesus came to minister to the poor.

So, I started thinking about all the things Jesus came to do.

He came to serve, not to be served.
He healed.He loved,
He sacrificed himself.
He saved,
He raised from the dead.

This should move us into action for His kingdom today.
What kind of action?
Saying YES to God.
Doing His will as is told in His words found in the Bible,
focusing on serving, healing relationships, sacrificing myself and sharing the gospel.

That is the only way I can find any peace or freedom from all this
chaos that the world and it's system brings.
"Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free"

Therefore, I have decided I've not been thinking right.
I need to believe Jesus when He says in His word that He will accomplish His will. His Word says He is orchestrating all the events in the world....

He makes good out of evil.

Jesus said "I will build my Church and the gates of Hell will not prevail against it"
I need to believe that and put my focus on HIM and why He has put me here.

So, will I be a pacifist?
NO!
I will still PRAY
BE INFORMED
and
VOTE!!

ME and MY DAD

2008-10-26T12:02:00.000-07:00

"tho outwardly we are wasting away, inwardly we are being renewed day by day"

September 1st, my dad turned 94!
We, - My sister and her husband, my brother and some special ladies - celebrated this milestone with him.
His mind is sharp as a tack, but he is anticipating his next life, where he will meet Jesus face to face and be reunited with the love of his life - our mom, Beatrice Mae.

Another Daughter

2008-05-26T16:17:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday was another highlight for our family. My Son Jonathan married Callie Jo Carpenter, adding to our number! The weather was beautiful and the sight, at an arboretum, was gorgeous. They were married on an island there, the wedding party walking across a bridge to access it. Like David and Nickie, Jonathan and Callie met at Taylor. Thus, the days were filled with reunions and meeting new people. They are honeymooning in Costa Rica and will live in Michigan for the summer. Enjoy these photos:

FROZEN IN TIME

2008-02-20T07:07:00.000-08:00

http://www.maniacworld.com/frozen-in-grand-central-station.html

PRIYANKA,GROWING UP

2008-02-16T11:48:00.000-08:00

My Indian daughter is growing up!
She is quite beautiful! Check my Nov 19, 2005 Post to see the change. Her latest report says her health is satisfactory, she is 120 cm and weighs 22 kg. She was recently promoted from 3rd to 4th grade with 34 other children! She begins at 10:30 and finishes at 5:00. She walks to school as it is close to where she lives. She is learning Kannada and likes mathematics and reading. Involved in a children's club, she is learning moral stories and values like obeying her mother and father!

Notice she has no shoes and her dress is dirty.
I wonder who wore it before her from the good ol USA?

SNOW SNOW and MORE SNOW!!!

2008-02-16T11:23:00.001-08:00

IT TRULY WAS A MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

2008-01-20T17:09:00.000-08:00

WONDERFUL PRECIOUS ABBIE 14 1/2 years old!!

THE WATSON MEN: JONATHAN, DAVID, MARK, GIL

THE WATSON WOMEN: CALLIE, BARB, NICKIE, JANICE & CHRISTIE

MY THREE DAUGHTERS!! NICKIE, CHRISTIE & CALLIE

JONATHAN & CALLIE GOING TO AMY BOUTWELL'S WEDDING

THIS YEAR ALL OF OUR FAMILY WAS HERE!

AFTER CHURCH WITH MARK, CHRISTIE, NICKIE & DAVID, WHO ARE MARRIED, JONATHAN AND HIS FIANCE, CALLIE, WE SPENT CHRISTMAS EVE AT CHRISTIE's WITH THEIR FATHER,GIL, JANICE and MARK!

CRISIS IN MIZORAM, INDIA: RAT ATTACK

2008-01-20T12:30:00.000-08:00

THIS NEEDS OUR ATTENTION AND I PRAY YOU TAKE THE TIME TO READ THIS. THESE PEOPLE ARE OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CHRIST AND 15,000 FAMILIES ARE STARVING. This was sent to my by missionaries I support with BIBLES FOR THE WORLD, THE PUDAITES. $45.42 will provide a bag of rice for a family of six.

You Can check this out on their web site www.bftw.org or call them toll free at 1.888.382.4253 for more information. Their address is BIBLES For The World, P.O. Box 49759, Colorado Springs, CO 80949-9759

May I Have This Dance?

2007-11-04T20:44:00.000-08:00

http://birdloversonly.blogspot.com/2007/09/may-i-have-this-dance.html

VIDEOS - CAMPING AT THE WARREN DUNES

2007-09-20T22:43:00.000-07:00

Saint Francis . . . A Sissy?

2007-08-20T01:53:00.000-07:00

- By Ray Comfort
The Way of the Master

One hundred and fifty thousand children had been on the brink of starving to death, but thanks to the kind gift of a very generous billionaire, every child now had enough food to keep him alive. That gift had arrived in the form of one big check. The horror was now over. It was finished. It was just a matter of distributing the food using the few relief workers we had. Without them to get the food to the children, there would have been many more deaths.

Some days later, a frantic worker burst into the camp and cried, "Some of the relief workers have stopped distributing food. Masses of children are dying!"

Why would the workers stop when there was plenty of food? It didn't make sense. The distraught man said, "It's because one of them held up a sign that said, 'Feed the starving children. Where necessary, use food.' That has caused some of the workers to simply befriend the starving children without giving them food. It's insane!"

The first time I ever heard of Saint Francis of Assisi was back in 1965. It was during the surf movie "The Endless Summer." Four surfers who were chasing the sun discovered the perfect wave, at a place in South Africa called "Cape Saint Francis." The sight of the perfect wave excited me beyond words.

The Unspeakable Gift

The next time I heard of him was when I heard that he said "Preach the Gospel at all times. Where necessary, use words." That statement upset me beyond words, because it was a philosophy that I knew sounded deeply spiritual . . . to those who were spiritually shallow. It made as much sense as "Feed starving children. Where necessary, use food."

On 16 July 1228 Francis of Assisi was pronounced a saint by Pope Gregory IX. That's a long time ago, so it's a little late for questions, but if I could I would like to find out why anyone would say such a strange thing? Was it because he was fearful to use actual words to preach the truth of the Gospel? Or was it because he thought that people would see that he had good works and hear the message of salvation without a preacher, something contrary to Scripture's "How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?" (Romans 10:14).

Whatever the case, 800 years since Francis we have many who profess faith in Jesus, and are no doubt using this popular philosophy to justify being speechless. To them salvation truly is an "unspeakable" gift.

Recently someone told me about a conference where 100,000 Christians gathered to worship God. When I asked if they were exhorted to go out and preach the Gospel to every creature, it was no surprise to me that they weren't. Instead, they were exhorted to live a life of worship. Again, that sounds spiritual, but you can't worship God without obedience to His Word, and His Word commands us to preach the Gospel to every creature.

I regularly meet those who think they can obey the Great Commission without using words. When they hear the Gospel preached that are usually offended and say things like, "I appreciate what you are saying, but I don't like the way you are saying it." With a little probing, they are the relationship folks, who think preaching the Gospel means building relationships with the lost, and never mentioning words like "sin," "Hell," and "Judgment Day." They think that real love is to withhold the Bread of life from those that are starving to death. Remember that Jesus said, "Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels" (Mark 8:38, italics added).

According to the dictionary, a "sissy" is "a timid or cowardly person." From what I understand of Saint Francis, he was no sissy. He was a loving man who was not afraid to use words when he preached. He wasn't frightened to preach repentance to a sinful world. However, there have been times when I could have been called that name. I have felt the grip of fear and have wanted to drop words such as sin, Hell, repentance and Judgment Day when I have preached to sinners. I don't want to come across as being unloving or judgmental, but I fear God more than I fear man. So when God's Word tells me to use words, I use words, despite the consequences.

Listen to the Apostle Paul's sobering warning to his hearers: "Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God" (Acts 20: 26-27). Perhaps he spoke about being free from their blood because he was familiar with God Himself warning Ezekiel of his responsibility to warn his generation: "When I say to the wicked, 'You shall surely die,' and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life, that same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand." (Ezekiel 3:18, italics added).

When someone thinks that they can feed starving children and not use food, that's their business. But when their philosophy spreads throughout the camp, it becomes an unspeakable tragedy. If we become passive about the Great Commission because we are more concerned about ourselves than the eternal well-being of others, we may be able to hide our motives from man, but not from God. He warns, "Deliver those who are drawn toward death, and hold back those stumbling to the slaughter. If you say, 'Surely we did not know this,' does not He who weighs the hearts consider it? He who keeps your soul, does He not know it? And will He not render to each man according to his deeds?" (Proverbs 24:11-12).

There's an interesting irony to this story. After a little research I came across a quote about the famous saying. It is from someone who had been a Franciscan monk for 28 years--and had earned an M.A. in Franciscan studies. He co ntacted some of the most eminent Franciscan scholars in the world to try and verify the saying. He said, "It is clearly not in any of Francis' writings. After a couple weeks of searching, no scholar could find this quote in a story written within 200 years of Francis' death." (1.)

So if it wasn't Saint Francis who said not to use words, who was it? Who is it that would like to see the truth of the Gospel hindered from being preached to every creature? That doesn't need to be answered.

The time is short. The laborers are few. Please, cast off your fears and equip yourself to preach the Gospel with words. They are necessary.

THREE SCORE!

2007-06-26T01:07:00.000-07:00

OK! What a gift to have reached this milestone! I've never really been concerned with age - to me it's just a number! But now that I'm there and I've had so many people celebrate with me, I just have to share the photos.

My Son David and his wife Nickie invited me to celebrate with them in Milwaukee. It was a great time to see their new home and sight see interesting places there. Christie joined us later and they took me out to eat. Here's some photos:

Maza and Sosena took me to an Ethiopian Restaurant in Chicago, Diamond Buffet. We had a wonderful time - the food is delish and I even got treated with a "desert!" Afterward, we went to an Ethiopian Mart and got the bread they use. It was a beautiful evening and being outside in Chicago was great!

Some friends from my Sunday School Class surprised my big time! They showed up with cake, goodies, flowers, candy and gifts. They even went to Dunkin Donuts and got decaf! We had a fun time! Thank you Lord for friends!

Nancy, Pam, Sue and I have been in a "Birthday Club" for many, many years! Sue is a missionary in Africa and unless she's on furlough, she can't join us. We go to The Sandwich Shop. We never have enough time because we have to do "catch-up!"

ROSES! ROSES! ROSES!

2007-06-21T18:01:00.000-07:00

FAME

FAME

TAMORA

ROYAL SUNSET CLIMBING ROSE

ICEBERG

PINK KNOCKOUT

GT THOMAS

Denver

2007-06-21T18:00:00.000-07:00

HERE THERE AND EVERYWHERE!!

2007-06-04T05:17:00.000-07:00

CICADAS! CICADAS! CICADAS
This a phenomenon of Biblical proportions -- well sort of! They're not in my food or bed but they are flying all around. They start to decay and smell as soon as they die. Imagine the poor EGYPTIANS! I am very interested in this 17 year bug and have done many google searches to find out as much as I can. For now here's a few photos of brrrrave people!!

ONE MORE MAKES THREE

2007-05-03T21:27:00.000-07:00

Sosena has joined Maza and myself and we comfortable share this home God has seen fit to let me manage. He has faithfully been taking care of it for me. Rich and Jill gutted my kitchen and put in a brand new one along with a new front sidewalk, landscaping and front door.

PIANO PLAYING CAT

2007-03-12T07:38:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZ860P4iTaM

CURE FOR EATING SALADS

2007-02-25T11:28:00.000-08:00

Don't forget this brand of fresh lettuce, folks. What probably happened is, the water the lettuce was washed in contained polliwogs and these became fresh new frogs, right in the packages. So if you're looking for salad fixins with a little more body, then be sure and try this brand. Don't forget, it's the extra care that Mexican companies take that makes the difference! barf barf

"Weather Event" of "Biblical Proportions"

2007-02-25T09:49:00.000-08:00

Weather Bulletin -Colorado

Priceless. Think about this for a moment.

Denver News

This text is from a county emergency manager out in the western part of
Jefferson County after a snowstorm.

WEATHER BULLETIN

Up here, in the Northern Plains, we just recovered from a Historic event---
may I even say a "Weather Event" of "Biblical Proportions" --- with a
historic blizzard of up to 44" inches of snow and winds to 90 MPH that
broke trees in half, knocked down utility poles, stranded hundreds of motorists in
lethal snow banks, closed ALL roads, isolated scores of communities and cut
power to 10's of thousands.

FYI:

George Bush did not come.

FEMA did nothing.
No one howled for the government.

No one blamed the government.

No one even uttered an expletive on TV.

Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton did not visit.

Our Mayor did not blame Bush or anyone else.

Our Governor did not blame Bush or anyone else, either.

CNN, ABC, CBS, FOX or NBC did not visit - or report on this category 5
snowstorm.

Nobody demanded $2,000 debit cards.

No one asked for a FEMA Trailer House.

No one looted.

Nobody - I mean Nobody demanded the government do something.

Nobody expected the government to do anything, either.

No Larry King, No Bill O'Rielly, No Oprah, No Chris Mathews and No Geraldo
Rivera.

No Shaun Penn, No Barbara Striesand, No Hollywood types to be found.

Nope, we just melted the snow for water.

Sent out caravans of SUV's to pluck people out of snow engulfed cars.

The truck drivers pulled people out of snow banks and didn't ask for a
penny.

Local restaurants made food and the police and fire departments delivered
it to the snowbound families.

Families took in the stranded people - total strangers.

We fired up wood stoves, broke out coal oil lanterns or Coleman lanterns.

We put on extra layers of clothes because up here it is "Work or Die".

We did not wait for some affirmative action government to get us out of a
mess created by being immobilized by a welfare program that trades votes
for 'sittin at home' checks.

Even though a Category "5" blizzard of this scale has never fallen this
early, we know it can happen and how to deal with it ourselves.

"In my many travels, I have noticed that once one gets north of about 40
degrees North Latitude, 90% of the world's social problems evaporate."
It does seem that way, at least to me.

I hope this gets passed on.
Maybe SOME people will get the message. The world does Not owe you a
living.

Thank you.

Mike

FREEDOM ISN'T FREE - SOMEONE PAYS FOR IT.

2007-02-14T03:44:00.000-08:00

This is a poem being sent from a Marine to his Dad.

It makes you truly thankful for not only the Marines,
but ALL of our troops.

THE MARINE

We all came together,
Both young and old
To fight for our freedom,
To stand and be bold.

In the midst of all evil,
We stand our ground,
And we protect our country
From all terror around.

Peace and not war,
Is what some people say.
But I'll give my life,
So you can live the American way.

I give you the right
To talk of your peace.
To stand in your groups,
and protest in our streets.

But still I fight on,
I don't bitch, I don't whine.
I'm just one of the people
Who is doing your time.

I'm harder than nails,
Stronger than any machine.
I'm the immortal soldier,
I'm a U.S. MARINE!

So stand in my shoes,
And leave from your home.
Fight for the people who hate you,
With the protests they've shown.

Fight for the stranger,
Fight for the young.
So they all may have,
The greatest freedom you've won .

Fight for the sick,
Fight for the poor
Fight for the cripple,
Who lives next door.

But when your time comes,
Do what I've done.
For if you stand up for freedom,
You'll stand when the fight's done .

By: Corporal Aaron M. Gilbert, US Marine Corps
USS SAIPAN, PERSIAN GULF

March 23, 2003

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

2007-02-13T21:48:00.000-08:00

CHRISTIE, JONATHAN, DAVID and NICKIE!

Zangy Comment Graphics

IT DOESN'T JUST SNOW IN DENVER!!

2007-02-13T21:04:00.000-08:00

February 13, 2007 - The snow and wind forced airlines to cancel hundreds of flights Tuesday and there will probably be more Wednesday.

Midway Airport actually had to shut down temporarily Tuesday night. No planes were allowed in or out. Some planes did start landing after 7 p.m., but there are still delays.

More than 900 flights were grounded at O'Hare Tuesday. And even the ones that did take off were between two and three hours late.

Travelers are being reminded to contact their airline prior to departing for the airport to check on the status of flights.

THIS IS WHAT THE WEATHER HAS BEEN TELLING US:

Winter storm warning now in effect
Lake effect snow will continue across northeast
illinois through wednesday morning. An additional
1 to 2 inches of snow is possible across western
will and western dupage counties, to as much as 3
to 5 inches of new snow accumulation across
eastern cook county. Storm total snowfall
accumulations by late Wednesday morning of 8 to 12 inches are
possible.
The lake effect snow bands will produce moderate
to heavy snow over small areas through the night.
Snowfall rates up to 1 inch per hour are possible
with the heaviest bands.
In addition to the new snow, north winds of 20 to
30 mph will cause significant blowing and
drifting snow.
Travel is discouraged tonight. If you must
travel, leave plenty of extra time to reach your
destination.
A winter storm warning means significant amounts
of snow, sleet, and ice are expected or
occurring. Strong winds are also possible. This will make
travel very hazardous or impossible. Stay indoors
and avoid travel if possible.

Lake Zurich snowfall level on car being cleaned.

One Little Bluebird

A little bluebird spotted in a feeder in Lemont during the snow storm.

Sent in by Susan from Lemont.

TO READ? OR NOT TO READ.... OVER THE EDGE

2007-02-13T20:46:00.000-08:00

OVER THE EDGE, by GREG CHILD

THE TRUE STORY OF FOUR AMERICAN CLIMBERS’ KIDNAP AND ESCAPE IN THE MOUNTAINS OF CENTRAL ASIA

Random House, Inc.

www.villard.com

Before dawn on August 12, 2000, four of America’s best young rock climbers, the oldest of them only twenty-five, were sleeping in their portal edges high on the Yellow Wall, in the Pamir-Ali mountain range of Kyrgyzstan, in central Asia. By daybreak, they would be taken at gunpoint by fanatical militants of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekisstan (IMU), which operates out of secret bases sin Tajikistan and Afghanistan, and which is linked to Osama bin Laden’s Al Qaeda network. The desperadoes—themselves barely out of their teens—intended to use their hostages as human shields and for ransom as them moved across Kyrgyzstan. They hid the climbers by day and marched them by night through freezing, treacherous mountains, with little food, no clean water, and the constant threat of execution. The four would see a fellow hostage, a Kyrgyz soldier, executed before their eyes. And in a remarkable life-and-death crucible over six terrifying days, they would be forced to choose between saving their own lives and committing an act none of them thought they ever could.

In Over the Edge, the four climbers—Jason” Singer: Smith, John Dickey, Tommy Caldwell, and Beth Rodeden—finally tell the complete story of their nightmarish ordeal. In riveting detail, author Greg Child re-creates the entire hour-by-hour drama, from the first ricocheting bullets to the climactic and agonizing decision the climbers had to make in order to gain their freedom and survival. Set in a powder-keg region of narcotics trafficking and terrorism, this is a deeply compelling book about loyalty and the unshakable human will to survive.

Greg Child is the author of three books, most recently the climbing memoir Postcards from the Ledge, A mountaineer who has summated K2 and Everest, Child lives near Moab, Utah

TO READ? OR NOT TO READ.... BROTHER ANDREW

2007-02-13T20:42:00.000-08:00

BROTHER ANDREW....

The Smuggler In Our Living Room

As a boy, Brother Andrew dreamed of being an undercover spy working behind enemy lines. As a man he found himself working undercover for God. His was a mission filled with danger, financed by faith, supported by miracles behind the Iron Curtain.

This is one of the best books I've read. It has inspired me to trust more in God to accomplish His will....realizing that I am but an instrument.

(David and I read this book together!)

Calling, The: A Challenge to Walk the Narrow Road

Author: Brother Andrew with Verne Becker
Number of Pages: 288
Publication Date: Oct. 02 Description: "Pay attention to the call of God in your everyday life-and then follow it. Because it is here that we can begin changing the world." ?Brother Andrew

Have you ever had someone say, "You can't do that"? That's what Bible smuggler Brother Andrew and persecuted Christians around the world often hear as they set out to do what God asks of them. But it doesn't stop them from answering The Calling-even when it may cost them their life!

What is God asking you to do for him? And how can you have the courage to follow through no matter what the circumstances?

In The Calling, you'll discover ten simple, straightforward steps for hearing God's voice, responding to his call, and spreading Christ's love in extraordinary ways. You'll be inspired by Brother Andrew's gripping true-life tales of bringing banned Christian literature into communist China, turbulent Africa, and repressive Muslim nations. And you'll gain courage from the amazing testimonies of people of different ages and cultures who are passionately living out their faith in spite of intense persecution.

Walk the narrow road and experience God's calling for yourself. Life will never be the same-and neither will you!

Author Information: Brother Andrew began his work in 1955 as a one-man mission-visiting, teaching, and taking Bibles to Christians behind closed borders. That work has since developed into Open Doors International, a nondenominational organization with bases around the world. When not traveling, Brother Andrew makes his home in the Netherlands.

CHRISTMAS CARD 2006

2006-12-16T21:05:00.000-08:00

CHRISTIE, DAVID & NICKIE, BARB & JONATHAN

This last year has been a year of blessings and changes and we give all the glory to God Barb’s Mother went home to be with the Lord, on April 27th. She wanted to go so we
considered it a blessing. All three of her children were with her and it was an amazing time for all of us to connect! We comforted her, sang her favorite hymns, read Scripture to her, and kept her as pain free as possible. We found a station that had her kind of music. The kind where George Beverly Shea sang. It was awesome!

Barb’s son, David, married the most wonderful woman, Nicole Marie Moore, on June 24th! She is from Lansing, Michigan and the wedding was held outside at the English Inn, in their spectacular English Garden. Her father married them. Dave is employed by L-3 Communications and Nickie works as a Project Mgr for Fidelity. They live in Cincinnati. Nickie is every mother’s dream daughter-in-law!

Jonathan moved to the Denver area after working in Bolivia for two years. He had to come home due to a case of Hepatitis A. He is doing much better and we are encouraged that he now has more ups than downs. Christie lives in Wheaton and continues to work with the UK’s National Express Group – US division of Durham School Services. Barb continues to teach piano, work with Treasured Promises at Church and be involved with her small group Bible Study of 12 years.

We love you all and consider it a joy and a blessing to have you in our lives.
Merry Christmas! Love, the Watson’s

2006 RECITAL

2006-12-02T20:43:00.000-08:00

Another year, another piano recital! Everyone was very excited about performing this year and played beautifully. Performing were those 5 years old up to 80! This is always exhilarating for a teacher and reinforces my love for my job. I love these kids and love seeing them progress.

I have also added a new venue to my job. It's a group class called Music for Little Mozart's It provides appropriate classroom music instruction for four, five and six years old. It is a comprehensive approach to music learning that includes singing, listening, structured and expressive movement, rhythm activities, playing classroom instruments, and visual representations of notation. Each of the three books in the series includes ten lessons. Here are the children in my present session:

WINTER & MY ROSES

2006-10-29T18:36:00.000-08:00

The worst thing about Winter is that my Roses go into hybernation. I enjoy taking care of them so much and now have to wait for about 6 months. This year wasn't the best for blooms but I am showing you two I particularly liked. The Red ones are called FAME and the white ones ICEBERG. Fame is a very sturdy rose and lasts a long time when cut and brought indoors. Iceberg is very showy and at times blooms profusely.

OUR FAMILY IS A CIRCLE OF STRENGTH AND LOVE, EVERY BIRTH AND UNION MAKING THE CIRCLE STRONGER

2006-06-29T20:42:00.000-07:00

My son,David, married the most amazing gal, NICOLE MARIE, June 24th in Lansing, Michigan. She in turn, got a wonderful young man, DAVID CHRISTOPHER, for a husband!! The wedding was held at The English Inn in their spectacular English Garden. It is the crowning glory of the grounds and made for a romantic, outdoor setting for their ceremony. Nickie said it was her "Dream Wedding!"

The lovely wooded banks of the Grand River and the beautiful Pergola offered the ultimate in outdoor venues for their ceremony. Surrounded by a breath-taking white wedding garden and the symphonic sounds of the Grand River, the Pergola helped create a wonderfully memorable ceremony that her Father, Dennis Moore, performed. It was exactly what they wanted....short, to the point and meaningful, sharing the Christ Centeredness for a Christian marriage! It was emotional for everyone, as he made personal comments and exhortations about marriage.

Here is Dennis with his wife Sandy, Nickie's Mother. She is a 4th grade Teacher, and a good one too! Nickie has two Brothers, Derrick and Nathan...both awesome guys.

Here is David's Family.

Christie, David, Barb, Jonathan

IT STAYS HERE

2006-05-06T20:27:00.000-07:00

'For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?' (Mark 8:36 NKJV)
When John D. Rockefeller died in 1937, it was generally accepted that he was the richest man in the world. There were an enormous amount of people at his funeral, including family, friends, and employees from his many companies. There was also a large gathering of photographers, journalists, and newspaper reporters. One young journalist caught sight of Rockefeller's chief accountant and asked him after the funeral, 'Weren't you Mr. Rockefeller's accountant?' 'Yes, I was,' he responded. 'Tell me,' the journalist continued, 'how much did he leave?' To which the accountant wryly responded, 'All of it.'
The accountant's answer proves an important point when it comes to our material possessions: whatever we gain here stays here. As the saying goes, 'You can't take it with you.' A person can have all of the world's wealth and riches, but it's only temporary. Life is rapidly passing away, and no matter how big the bank account or how valuable the vault, none of it will count in the eternal world to come.
And yet so much of our lifetime can be wasted by trying to accumulate and keep wealth. When we get caught up in what we can lay our hands on here, it's easy to let go of the eternal truths we need to steer us through this life and lead us into the next. What an unwise decision to invest in the temporal rather than the eternal. Jim Eliot profoundly pointed out, 'He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.' You can't take earthly wealth with you, but you can send it ahead by sharing and giving toward kingdom causes that have eternal value.
'But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?' So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.' (Luke 12:20–21 NKJV)
calvary chapel ft l fla

A TEAR

2006-05-01T07:23:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday, April 27, 2006 at 4:35 pm, my Mom went from earth to eternity to be with her savior, Jesus. She was 92. Her name was Beatrice..(she made sure you pronounced the a: ah!) Her husband, Floyd, called her "honey".

Her three children watched her die for 5 days. We comforted her, sang her favorite hymns, read Scripture to her, kept her dry and as pain free as possible. We found a station that had her kind of music. The kind where George Beverly Shea sang! It was awesome.

One of the times I read Scripture to her, she opened her eyes and was really concentrating on the words! It was a precious time.
She loved God's Word and never neglected to spend time in it. I will always have this image of her with the Bible on her lap.

My Mom loved to go to Church. She played the piano at the Churches my Dad Pastored. She diligently served with her husband for 60 years. Yup.... six zero. That's how many years they were married.

Yes, I will remember all that.
But, I will remember something else too.

One of the Nurses told us she has observed three things in a person when they are ready to die. Mottling, breathing from the chest and a tear.

If this was true, I wondered, maybe it only happened to those who are going to spend eternity apart from God.

But NO!
Right after she died, I looked and lo and behold...........
there it was....
a little pear shaped golden tear, hanging on to the edge of her right eye.
And we know beyond a shadow of a doubt that she went to Heaven!!

Mom.......I cry for me.
For you I rejoice!!
I love you....now and for eternity.
And, I will see you soon.
I can't wait.

And, Mom, did you know that your Grandson, Steve and his wife Erica, had a baby girl on your birthday?! They named her Anna Grace and I'm sure they will remind her of you often, especially on May 3rd!!

If you can pray in Heaven.......pray for Me, Christie, Jonathan, David and Nickie,
Gil, Janice and Mark, Dann and David.

You have an IN!!

COMFORT FROM GOD'S WORD

2 Corinthians 1:3-5 (The Message)

“All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us. We have plenty of hard times that come from following the Messiah, but no more so than the good times of his healing comfort—we get a full measure of that, too.”

John 14:1-6, 27 (New Living Translation)

“Don't be troubled. You trust God, now trust in me. There are many rooms in my Father's home, and I am going to prepare a place for you. If this were not so, I would tell you plainly. When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know where I am going and how to get there. “No, we don't know, Lord," Thomas said. "We haven't any idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?" Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn't like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled or afraid”

1 Peter 1:3-6

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.”

2 Corinthians 5:1-5 (The Message)

“For instance, we know that when these bodies of ours are taken down like tents and folded away, they will be replaced by resurrection bodies in heaven—God-made, not handmade—and we'll never have to relocate our "tents" again. Sometimes we can hardly wait to move—and so we cry out in frustration. Compared to what's coming, living conditions around here seem like a stopover in an unfurnished shack, and we're tired of it! We've been given a glimpse of the real thing, our true home, our resurrection bodies! The Spirit of God whets our appetite by giving us a taste of what's ahead. He puts a little of heaven in our hearts so that we'll never settle for less.”

Psalm 34:17-18 (New Living Translation)

“The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those who are crushed in spirit.”

Psalm 46:1” (New Living Translation)

“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.”

Psalm 121:1-2 (New Living Translation)

“I look up to the mountains—does my help come from there? My help comes from the LORD, who made the heavens and the earth!

OTHER LINKS

TWO KINGS

2006-04-19T00:33:00.000-07:00

Spring is my absolute favorite time of the year! To see which plants made it through the winter is very exciting! I love getting my hands in the dirt and help them poke their way back into a different year! It is exhiliarating for me. Last year I got interested in Roses! My neighbor, Mary Mehaffey is largely to be credited with this. She has at least 50 bushes of all varieties. She has walked me through all the stages from thinking, buying, planting, pruning and enjoying! She recently subscribed me to the Americal Rose Society and this just makes my mouth water! It is said that "a rose is a rose is a rose" They are the King of all flowers as far as I'm concerned, in more ways that one. As I was pruning off the dead branches yesterday, and repeatedly getting stabbed by those ugly, sharp thorns, I was again reminded how much Jesus suffered for me! I just can't imagine having them shoved into my head. King of Kings! What love! I am going to try to find thornless roses to work with because I'm not into pain. I will post my most beautiful specimens. Right now I have 6 bushes but hope to expand this number considerably. A Quote : A life with love will have some thorns. But a life without love will have NO roses ...(author unknown)

ROOMIES

2006-04-12T21:35:00.000-07:00

This past year two more people have joined my life!

Maza is from Ethiopia and rents a room from me. She is a sweetheart and very easy to live with.

Then in December, my son David proposed to his sweetie of 3 years! She said YES! and we all feel so blessed to have Nickie in our lives. I, however, am the most blessed because she lives with me!!
Another easy-to-live with gal. They are getting married June 24th, Lord willing. The wedding will be at an English Inn so it should be quite lovely! .

David works for Oracle, teaching SQL and Nickie is a Math teacher.

OK.....I'm going to upload some pictures.

THE GOOD OLE DAYS!

2006-01-24T07:38:00.000-08:00

WATERBED FUN - A GERMAN VIDEO ~ BUT YOU'LL GET THE IDEA!!

2006-01-17T07:52:00.000-08:00

WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT AIDS?

2005-11-22T16:45:00.000-08:00

Dear Friend of World Vision,

What do you know about AIDS, the greatest humanitarian crisis of our time?

Find out by taking the World Vision AIDS Test now.

This interactive test—which takes just a few minutes to complete-could change the way you think about AIDS forever.

Get ready to learn the truth about HIV/AIDS. Take The AIDS Test now by visiting www.worldvision.org/AIDStest. At the end of the test, we've provided an easy way to forward this test to a friend.

PS: World AIDS Day is observed around the world on December 1. Find out how you can make a difference by visiting www.worldvision.org/actingonaids.

THE POOR IN ILLINOIS/CHICAGO and THE NIGHT MINISTRY

2005-11-21T21:31:00.000-08:00

Over the course of a year, approx 26,ooo youth in Illinois experience homelessness. Of these, 45% have chronic homeless experiences . Homeless kids come from diverse cultural, social and economic backgrounds. They are of varying age - some as young as 14. They come from all walks of life, yet homeless youth do share something in common: the majority choose to live on the street because they feel it's safer than staying in their own home. Once on the street and on their own, homeless youth are isolated. They have no money. No friends. No hope.

In Chicago, homeless children under 18 - the most vulnerable of all - are not legally allowed to be admitted to an adult shelter. A survey of homeless youth in Chicago shows that 33% have been physically attacked. These youth need a safe haven off the streets. They need an empowering environment and caring, compassionate human connections. They need help.

The Night Ministry is dedicated to providing help to the youth in Chicago. Open Door Youth Center not only provides a safe haven to homeless youth, but also provides counseling, health care, life-building skills, caring human interaction and compassion. They operate youth outreach programs aimed at reaching youth not currently residing in their shelter and provide them with a number of the same services. Most importantly, they operate many of these outreach programs at night on the streets. They are present and available to each and every youth - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Their programming doesn't stop with homeless youth. The Night Ministry provides outreach and health programming to anyone in need - homeless youth and adults, pregnant and parenting teens, underinsured or uninsured individuals, the working poor, unsupervised children, the chronically lonely. Their Health and Outreach Bus travels throughout Chicago providing health care, referral services, food and compassion. No one should feel they have to find their way all alone.

Everyday, the Night Ministry reaches out to individuals across Chicago - offering hope and services to the people who need it most.
www.thenightministry.org
773.784.9000

THANKSGIVING~ IT JUST HAPPENS TO BE MY SON'S BIRTHDAY!

2005-11-19T22:16:00.000-08:00

Happy 23rd on the 24th David!

A NEW ADDITION TO MY FAMILY~ FROM INDIA!!

2005-11-19T17:34:00.000-08:00

Her Name is Priyanka Melkundi Pandit and I sponsor her through World Vision.
Here is her photo and some info about her life.

MY OATH TO YOU.....Signed: GOD

2005-11-19T16:30:00.001-08:00

MY OATH TO YOU...
When you are sad.....I will dry your tears.
When you are scared.....I will comfort your fears.
When you are worried.....I will give you hope.
When you are confused.....I will help you cope.
And when you are lost....And can't see the light, I shall be your
beacon.....Shining ever so bright.
This is my oath.....I pledge till the end.
Why you may ask?.....Because you're my friend.

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT SALVATION

2005-11-19T13:07:00.000-08:00

HOW THE BIBLE AFFIRMS THE CHRIST CENTERED MESSAGE OF SALVATION FOR MANKIND:

ROMANS 3:23 PROBLEM:

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus.

ROMANS 5:12 PENALTY

Just as through one man (Adam) sin entered into the world and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned...

ROMANS 5:8 PROVISION

God demonstrates His love toward us, in that while we sere still sinners, Christ died for us.

ROMANS 10:9-10 PARDON

If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved

GET JESUS: Receiving God's Awesome Gift

2005-11-17T13:32:00.000-08:00

Being "born again" is how a Natural Man becomes a Son of God. Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, unless a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God."

Here's what a person must do to become a true child of God in a right relatioonship with Him. the A B C's

A. Admit that you are a sinner, in need of a Savior.
B. Believe that Jesus came and died for your sins, and that He rose from the dead.
C. Confess your sinfulness, asking Jesus to forgive you, and to come into your heart and life (Thus establishing a relationship instead of obeying rules.)

If you've done the above, pray something like this from the sincerity of your own heart:

"Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner. I believe you died for my sins and that you rose from the dead because You are the Son of God. Right now, I want to turn from my sins and receive your forgiveness. I invite you into my heart as both Lord and Savior. Thank you, Lord Jesus. In your Name I pray, Amen."

The Watson Four! L-R Jonathan, Barb, David, Christie

2005-11-15T14:06:00.000-08:00

November 12, 2005 Recital

2005-11-15T12:48:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday, I had my annual Piano Recital. It was great! My students were all ready and anxious to play. Even my youngest, Tyrie Mehaffey, played God Is So Good, with her Right Hand! One 7th grader memorized 4 pages of Clementi's Sonatina! And, we had a guest: Stuart Gunn, who played Moonlight Sonata. His wife and two children also played! They're like the von Trapp family........only I call them the von Gunn family! I love the atmosphere in the Chapel at my Church. It is very rewarding as a teacher to see all the hard work come together in a few hours!

THANKSGIVING 2004

2004-11-27T21:16:00.000-08:00

Piano Teacher

Thanksgiving has come and gone! Christie, David and myself were invited to a neighbors house. It was nice to not have to "do" the whole meal, but we certainly missed the smell of the bird cooking and all the leftovers!

MY BLOG! PIANO TEACHER

2004-10-22T11:31:00.000-07:00

Hi Kids! I'm now official!!